Hospital visits resume

Thursday 27 January 2022

Hospital patients were able to accept visitors again for the first time in more than two weeks last night, and social visiting was also reintroduced on mental health wards.

The Government said on Thursday afternoon that the decision to resume visiting could be made as the level of covid in the community had decreased.

They said visiting could not resume right away as staff need time to prepare.

Visits were suspended on 12 January after a number of individuals spread covid to patients in hospital and were abusive to staff.

The following rules for safe visits have now been put in place:

• Only two visitors per patient, and only one at a time.
• Visitors must not be subject to self-isolation requirements or be showing any symptoms associated with covid.
• They must hand sanitise when they enter and wear face masks at all times. 

Everyone is also encouraged to take a lateral flow test before visiting.

Special provisions may be put in place for additional visitors to those who are patients for an extended period or receiving end-of-life care.

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf requested that all visitors "be respectful of staff who are doing all they can for patients under difficult circumstances, and... observe all guidelines which have been put in place.” 

Deputy Chief Nurse Claire Thompson added: “We know that having visitors makes a huge difference to our patients. Please help us by visiting someone only if you are a named visitor. Our staff across HCS have done an amazing job and I thank them all for all they have done and continue to do for patients.”